Catania have earned just their sixth point of this season under the guidance of new coach Luigi De Canio, but were unable to break the deadlock against newly-promoted Sassuolo.

The Elefanti dismissed Rolando Maran last week after a poor start to the campaign, with the hosts making an encouraging start under De Canio as Jaroslav Plasil's powerful effort was parried from point-blank range.

Sassuolo goalkeeper Gianluca Pegolo was the man responsible with a brave save and soon got involved again, stopping Gonzalo Bergessio as he turned to shoot inside the penalty area.

Panagiotis Tachtsidis then had a free kick saved, while Simone Zaza flashed wide from a tight angle at the other end.

Sassuolo dug in and were able secure an important point by sitting deeper late on, with Catania left to rue a lack of cutting edge in the final third.